UPS needed for outages

[ValiE]

Hello, I'm looking for an affordable UPS for my PC and modem, I need it to support at least 450 watts of power.

 

if you have any recommendations please inform me, as i know nothing about these stuff.

[johnt]

I would get an EcoFlow or similar battery pack instead of a UPS, unless you really need that fast switching. Most modern devices don’t need a sub 10ms response time. The EcoFlow packs usually last a lot longer and can out live an outage. I looked at an expensive UPS for my server rack, only to realize it would power my devices for 15-20 minutes. I bought a 1 kW battery for the same price and it powers my gear for half a day at normal operations. If I disable my POE cameras, servers, and tone it down to a single AP, I think I maintain internet access for over a day.

 

A UPS does usually have software to shut down your PC in case something happens, and EcoFlow’s newer products offer the same functionality from what I hear. I purchased “last year’s models” that had a 30ms response time and no software, but they work perfectly fine. It does have a phone app and I do get notifications when the battery levels hit 20%.

 

UPSs are dead in my opinion. Some loyalists won’t agree, yet. But they will.

[Kobathor]

Do you have a budget?

 

I use an APC BN1500M2 UPS for my whole PC and home server setup. Total max output is around 900W if necessary. It can sustain full power output for a couple minutes, but since I never use 900W it can run for longer. With my servers working as they do and PCs idling I got about 20 minutes during an actual power outage—more than enough time to shut everything down. I get brown-outs pretty often and it's been perfect at switching from A/C power to battery and back.

 

Here's a model that is rated for ~500W max power output: https://www.amazon.com/APC-Battery-Protector-BackUPS-BX850M/dp/B06WP9Q8ZN

I don't recommend using a battery power station in place of a UPS. They aren't the same kind of product.

 

Welcome to the forum.

[ewitte]

UPS is to give enough time to shutdown they aren't designed to run for long amounts of time.  I use the following battery setup fbut is kinda overkill

 

- 10.2KW in the garage powering Fridge and outlet inside with Synology NAS and switch - Lasts about 2 days

- 4KW available to move to the indoor fridge if needed - possibly 2 days

- 288W USBC powered tv tuner - 99h+

- 576W USBC powered NUC - up to 28h depends on if I'm using it actively

- 768W for one monitor LG C1 - about 10h

- 256W for the cable modem (USBC converted) - 1-2 days

 

[ValiE]

i only want something to keep my pc and router on for a short period so i can turn them off myself to prevent damages, power shortages where i live last like 2 hours, and they happen everyday, also my budget is very strict, 30 to 40$.

 

[Kobathor]

You unfortunately will not be able to purchase a new UPS that can supply 450W without spending over $100. I would recommend looking on your local Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace to see if you can find a used one. What you need to look for is the VA rating—e.g. 850VA, 1000VA. To achieve a max output of 450W, you'll need at least a 850VA unit. APC and CyberPower are popular brands with good units.

[SorryBella]

16 minutes ago, ValiE said:

30 to 40$.

Then i recommend just having a good backup and saving practice instead.

[ewitte]

58 minutes ago, Kobathor said:

You unfortunately will not be able to purchase a new UPS that can supply 450W without spending over $100. I would recommend looking on your local Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace to see if you can find a used one. What you need to look for is the VA rating—e.g. 850VA, 1000VA. To achieve a max output of 450W, you'll need at least a 850VA unit. APC and CyberPower are popular brands with good units.

Usually, a cheaper desktop 850VA UPS it costs 20-30 just to replace the batteries.  And the types of batteries they use don't last long...